TraffordCity to become home to the North West’s first inland surfing lagoon after detailed planning permission is granted
News | 23 Sep '21
McKinney Group is excited to announce that it has received the green light for its planning application to bring the region’s first inland surfing lagoon to TraffordCity.
The multi-million-pound plans would see the former container-base site transformed into a world-class surfing lagoon for Greater Manchester, within a well-designed and safe cove environment that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Alongside the surf lake will be space for a café/restaurant terrace, pop-up beach bars, surf shop, and changing facilities all within an interactive environment with everything from pump track and fitness zone to a halfpipe/boarding area, and exercise, bouldering and balancing zones.
Powered by Wavegarden, the world leader in man-made, wave-generating technologies, the proposed surfing complex will create consistent waves, perfect for beginners, learners and professionals alike to test their skills.
Speaking after the planning application had been approved, Managing Director Billy McKinney said:
“We’re delighted that Trafford Council has approved our proposals for Modern Surf and are very grateful to local residents for the extraordinary level of support we have received.
“Modern Surf will complement the already excellent leisure based activities in TraffordCity and help to inspire the next generation of surfers and athletes. We hope to create 100 FTE jobs when operational as well as supporting many more during the construction phase.
“Look out for more updates over the coming months!”
The site in TraffordCity, owned and managed by Peel L&P, is regarded as the UK’s foremost retail, leisure and commercial destination encompassing The Trafford Centre and its surrounding 3.5 million square feet of retail, leisure and office space.
James Whittaker, Executive Development Director at Peel L&P said:
“We are thrilled to hear that planning permission has been granted for Modern Surf which will bring something unique to the already strong leisure offering. Our vision is to be the UK’s number one destination for the retail, leisure and business in a sustainable environment where over the last 25 years we have created over 17,500 jobs and invested over £1.6 billion. Alongside Therme Manchester, Modern Surf will be another fantastic leisure attraction to TraffordCity that will complement all the surrounding businesses.”
The £60 million scheme will be located on Peel L&P’s brownfield site off Barton Dock Road in Trafford Park. It will be the first inland surfing facility to open in the North West and is earmarked to be open by 2023.
McKinney Group has been supported by LSH, Hydrock, Leslie Jones Architects and BECG during the planning process.
